Ottawa Redblacks investigating allegations of player involved in hate-motivated Toronto assault

The Ottawa Redblacks organization is investigating allegations that one of its players assaulted a gay man in Toronto last weekend, leaving the victim unconscious.

Allegations recently appeared on social media, claiming the player was among a group of attackers in the incident, which Toronto police say happened around 11:30 p.m. on June 5.

David Gomez and his friend were on their way home from Hanlan’s Point on Toronto Island when they say they crossed paths with a group of individuals. They found themselves in danger when the group began shouting homophobic slurs at them before violently attacking Gomez. 

“I was knocked unconscious and beat nearly to death,” wrote Gomez in a social media post. “I was dragged around, kicked and punched in the face.” 

Gomez was rushed to hospital with a broken nose, fractures to his face, a broken tooth and other injuries. CityNews spoke with a friend of Gomez who confirms he had since undergone surgery and is currently recovering. A GoFundMe page has been launched to support his journey that lays ahead. 

The three suspects in the assault are described as:

• A Black man, 25-32 years old, 6' 4'', 220 lbs., muscular build, with dreadlocks and had a bicycle with him
• A white man, thin build, 5' 6'', and possibly had dreadlocks
• A white woman, 22-28 years old, 5' 5'', 180 lbs., with long blonde hair

“The service’s dedicated Hate Crime Unit has been notified and is supporting officers from 52 Division with the investigation,” Toronto police said in a news release.

“This remains an active investigation and extensive inquiries are being carried out including scouring for video, recovering evidence and speaking to witnesses to establish the motive.”

Meanwhile, Chris Hofley, the Canadian Football League’s communications manager, confirmed in a statement that the Ottawa Redblacks are aware of the allegations made on social media involving one of its players and “the team is currently investigating.”